Think Like A Saver Podcast

America Saves
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Think Like A Saver Podcast

Tune into to any finance expert and it seems that they think that saving is very black and white - this or that. "Have 3-6 months of savings in your savings account or you're bad with money!" America Saves knows that saving is a habit, not a destination. So we're sharing tips, strategies, and tools to help you "Think Like A Saver." Join Co-Hosts Kia McCallister-Young and Amanda Woods as they take you on the journey of becoming a more informed, empowered saver who can make the best financial decisions for you and your loved ones, based on your unique situation. They'll be joined by experts on topics like creative ways to save successfully, building emergency funds, budgeting, reducing debt, homeownership, improving credit, saving for retirement, and so much more. America Saves is committed to a no-shame approach to saving. Ready to save successfully, reduce your debt, and get on a path towards building debt? You can do that here with the Think Like A Saver Podcast!

  1. Navigating the Military to Civilian Financial Transition

    NOV 15

    Navigating the Military to Civilian Financial Transition

    Welcome to the fourth and final episode of our Veteran-Focused mini-series in celebration of Veteran Saves Week! Today, we’re discussing one of the biggest challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life—moving from military service to civilian employment. Amelia and Krystel guide you through essential financial steps, covering topics like budgeting for relocation, using the GI Bill for career advancement, understanding civilian benefits, and building financial confidence along the way. This episode is sponsored by Walmart, whose ongoing support of veterans and their families through career pathways and advancement opportunities aligns perfectly with the mission of Veteran Saves. In this episode, we discusss: Relocation Expenses: Moving from military life to civilian life often brings new expenses, including housing deposits, transportation, and work-related costs. Tip: Track your spending by gathering recent pay stubs, bank statements, and bills to create a budget and spending plan that addresses upcoming relocation needs. Setting Financial Goals: Establishing both short- and long-term goals, such as an emergency fund or saving for certifications, can make the transition more manageable. Leveraging the GI Bill: Beyond traditional schooling, the GI Bill also covers certifications, technical training, and apprenticeships. Many apprenticeships allow veterans to earn an income while learning, which can be especially helpful during the transition to civilian life. Understanding Civilian Benefits: Civilian compensation packages differ from military pay, and veterans should review their base salary, health benefits, and retirement options like 401(k) matching to understand their full package. Veterans with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) may consider rolling it into a 401(k) or IRA for continued retirement savings growth. Save or Skip Segment: Scenario: A $1,000 relocation bonus—save it for moving expenses or invest in a career certification? Amelia and Crystal share their thoughts, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing relocation while exploring employer support for certifications. Financial Counseling for Veterans: Organizations like the Veterans Benefits Banking Program and the Foundation for Financial Planning provide free financial counseling tailored to veterans, offering guidance on unique financial challenges. Resources & Links Mentioned: Veteran Saves Pledge Create a Spending & Savins Plan VBBP Free Financial Counseling & Coaching How Walmart Helps Veterans Thrive Transitioning to civilian life is a significant change, but with a solid financial plan, veterans can navigate this journey smoothly. We’re here to support you every step of the way, and special thanks to Walmart for their partnership and commitment to the veteran community.

    8 min
  2. All About Housing as a Veteran

    NOV 14 · BONUS

    All About Housing as a Veteran

    On Day 3 of Veterans Saves Week, Krystel and Amelia tackle the unique housing challenges veterans face and share valuable resources for securing affordable housing. Whether you're working toward homeownership, renting, or facing other housing hurdles, today's episode is packed with practical tips and guidance to help you meet your housing needs. Segments: Save or Skip: In today's "Save or Skip" segment, we explore what to do if you’re a veteran facing a rent increase that could strain your budget. We offer a balanced approach to help you decide if you should "save" by staying put with support or "skip" and look for a new home. Homeownership Support: VA Loans: Learn how VA loans provide competitive rates, often with no down payment, to help veterans achieve homeownership. We discuss why it’s essential to compare offers to ensure you're getting the best deal. VA Grants for Home Modifications: Discover how these grants can help veterans modify their homes to improve accessibility, especially for those with disabilities. Resources for Current Homeowners: If you're a homeowner facing financial challenges, we discuss housing counselors and VA services that can help you stay on top of mortgage payments. Rental Assistance and Tenant Rights: HUD-VASH Program: A collaborative program between HUD and the VA that provides rental assistance vouchers to unhoused veterans. Affordable Rental Resources: Veterans not yet ready to buy can find affordable rental housing through VA resources and local organizations. Tenant Rights: Knowing your rights protects you from unfair practices and discrimination in housing. Support for Unhoused Veterans: For veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans connects them to local support to stabilize their housing situation. Links & Resources: Resources for Veterans Having Difficulty Making Mortgage Payments The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)   is committed to ending Veteran homelessness and works with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to offer programs for housing vouchers for Veterans in need of permanent housing.   The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans  helps Veterans in need of immediate assistance to avoid eviction or loss of housing. Trained VA counselors are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help. You can reach them at 1-877-4AID VET or (877) 424-3838.  Veterans Matter helps house homeless veterans and their families who qualify for VA/HUD-VASH housing vouchers. It is a nationwide program that works to help veterans find housing quickly by helping with rental deposits and first month’s rent. You can reach them by calling (567) 698-7838.  National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) provides emergency and supportive housing along with food, health services, job training, and placement assistance.  Their website also offers a searchable database that you can use to find organizations in your state that provide services. You can reach them by calling 1-800-VET-HELP or 1-800-838-4357.   You can find additional resources in your area by searching the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s  Federal Rental Assistance webpage. There you can find out what assistance is available, what it covers, how it works, and who is eligible.    _______ Tune in tomorrow for the final day of Veteran Saves Week, where we'll discuss the financial transition from military to civilian life. Remember: Veterans deserve accessible, affordable housing, and support is available to help at every stage.

    6 min
  3. Saving for Competing Priorities as a Veteran

    NOV 13 · BONUS

    Saving for Competing Priorities as a Veteran

    The Veteran Saves Team brings you a special Veteran-focused mini-series to celebrate Veteran Saves Week, a four-day event encouraging veterans, transitioning service members, and their families or caregivers to do a financial check-in and gain a clear view of their finances. In this episode, Amelia and Krystel focus on the challenge of managing competing financial priorities. From creating an emergency fund to paying off debt and saving for retirement, this episode provides veterans and their families with step-by-step strategies to take control of their finances and build financial security. During the episode, we’ll dive into... Introduction to Veteran Saves Week: Veteran Saves Week provides veterans with the tools and support they need to manage their finances with confidence. Each day highlights a different theme, offering guidance on topics like housing, debt, banking, and transitioning from military to civilian life. Today’s Theme – Balancing Competing Financial Priorities: This episode is all about helping veterans balance various financial priorities, including saving for emergencies, paying down debt, and preparing for retirement, all while managing everyday expenses. Our goal is to make financial planning more manageable and less stressful for veterans, transitioning service members, and their families. Veteran Saves Program Overview: Veteran Saves supports veterans in achieving financial goals through resources, articles, videos, and reminders. Veterans can also take the Veteran Saves Pledge at VeteransSaves.org, which provides encouragement and guidance for reaching their savings goals. Save or Skip Segment: Scenario: What would you do if you received a $1,000 bonus? Would you put it toward retirement or use it to pay down debt? Takeaway: There's no right or wrong answer—it all depends on personal goals and financial priorities. Steps for Balancing Financial Priorities: Break Down Your Financial Goals: Think of your goals in three categories—short-term, mid-term, and long-term—to help clarify what’s most important right now and in the future. Start with $500: Building a $500 emergency fund is a great starting point for financial security. Strategies include automating savings, setting aside portions of VA benefits, and using military discounts to save. Manage Debt Effectively: Consider the snowball or avalanche method to tackle debt in a way that fits your goals and keeps you motivated. Saving Flexibly: Remember, saving is a cyclical process, and it’s okay to use your emergency fund when needed. Automatic transfers can help you build back your savings over time. Maximizing VA Benefits: VA benefits can be essential financial tools, offering resources for healthcare, education, and job training. Utilizing benefits like the GI Bill, vocational programs, and financial counseling services can help veterans advance their careers and financial stability without stretching their budgets. Aligning Financial Plans with Personal Values: Reflecting on your core values—such as community support, financial independence, or enjoying meaningful experiences—can help make your financial journey more rewarding and aligned with what truly matters to you. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Veteran Saves Pledge: VeteranSaves.Org/Pledge  Create a Spending and Savings Plan: https://veteransaves.org/resource-center/insights/6-steps-to-establishing-a-spending-and-savings-plan-for-veterans-and-transitioning-military-personnel/  Savings Plan On-Demand Workshop: https://youtu.be/m5ur5tt8JhA  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Think Like a Saver! We hope you’ve gained valuable insights into balancing financial priorities and building financial security. Remember, with a solid plan and clear goals, it’s possible to manage multiple financial priorities with confidence.

    11 min
  4. Choosing the Right Financial Institution as a Veteran

    NOV 12 · BONUS

    Choosing the Right Financial Institution as a Veteran

    The Veteran Saves Team brings to you a special Veteran-focused mini-series to celebrate Veteran Saves Week, a 4 day event encouraging Veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and their families or caregivers to do a financial check-in and gain a clear view of their finances.  In this episode, Krystel, Amelia, and Amy discuss the importance of choosing the right financial institution, the unique needs of veterans, and how selecting a bank or credit union that aligns with those needs can empower veterans on their financial journeys. This episode is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, a proud supporter of the military and Veteran community. During the episode, we’ll dive into...  Introduction to Veteran Saves Week: Veteran Saves Week is an opportunity to provide veterans with the resources and support they need to manage finances confidently and reach their financial goals. Each day focuses on a different financial theme, addressing topics like housing, debt, banking, and transitioning from military to civilian life. Today’s Theme – Choosing the Right Financial Institution: Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, this episode dives into choosing a bank or credit union that best supports veterans' financial needs, including benefits, services, and resources that align with their financial goals. Chase programs like Military Pathways and the Veterans Jobs Mission support veterans in transitioning to civilian careers and assist veteran-owned businesses. Veteran Saves Program Overview: Veteran Saves supports veterans in achieving financial goals through resources, articles, videos, and reminders. Veterans can take the Veteran Saves Pledge at VeteransSaves.org to set and reach savings goals with support from Veteran Saves. Save or Skip Segment: Scenario: Should veterans open multiple accounts at different banks to leverage specific benefits from each? Takeaway: This approach could maximize benefits, but it may add complexity. Veterans should consider their preferences for simplicity vs. maximizing perks. Choosing Between Banks and Credit Unions: Banks: Often provide more locations, specialized military programs, and features like waived fees and tailored loan products. Credit Unions: As not-for-profit organizations, credit unions often offer lower fees and better interest rates, plus personalized service but may have fewer locations. Key Factors for Choosing a Financial Institution: Mobile Banking: Essential for veterans who travel frequently. Loan Products: Some institutions offer veteran-specific loans with lower fees or better terms. Fees: Look for institutions that waive monthly fees and offer transparency on hidden costs. Customer Service: Many institutions provide specialized support for veterans, including financial education and VA-specific assistance. Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP): The VBBP, a partnership with the VA and the Association of Military Banks of America, allows veterans to open accounts with participating banks and access direct deposit, financial counseling, and education.   Links Mentioned in This Episode: Veteran Saves Pledge  Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) VetCents Financial Education Military Pathways Program Veteran Jobs Mission Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Think Like a Saver! We hope you've gained some valuable insights into overcoming financial overwhelm and taking control of your financial future. Remember, no matter where you are on your financial journey, it's never too late to start saving.   Thank you to JPMorgan Chase for supporting Veteran Saves and the veteran community!

    11 min
  5. Where To Start When You're Overwhelmed

    OCT 7

    Where To Start When You're Overwhelmed

    This episode was recorded and aired LIVE on April 8, 2024.   Welcome back to another episode of Think Like a Saver! Today, we're diving into SEASON 2 with a LIVE pop-up episode to kick off America Saves Week.  Whether you're just starting to take control of your financial situation or you're looking to reset your financial goals, this episode is for you.  The America Saves Team is joined by guests Andi Wrenn, MA, AFC®- AFPCE Board of Directors and Andrée Taylor, SVP- Financial Stability Program Manager, Bank of America to discuss a topic that many of us can relate to...feeling overwhelmed by our finances. During the episode, we’ll dive into...   Getting a Clear View of Your Finances  The importance of taking a step back and assessing your financial situation.  Tips for organizing your finances and creating a budget that works for you.  How to track your spending and identify areas where you can cut back.  Seeking Support  Seeking support through free financial coaching and counseling services.  The benefits of having a professional guide you through your financial journey.  Media Literacy and De-influencing  The role of media literacy in navigating financial advice.  How to discern between helpful financial guidance and harmful influences.  Strategies for de-influencing and focusing on your own financial goals.  Understanding Consumerism  The impact of consumerism on personal finances.  Tips for combating the urge to overspend and prioritize saving.  The importance of mindful consumption in achieving financial stability.  Generational Differences  Exploring how different generations approach money management.  Understanding the unique financial challenges faced by Gen Z, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers.  Tips for bridging the generational gap and learning from each other's financial experiences.  Mental Health and Psychology  The intersection of mental health and financial well-being.  Strategies for managing stress and anxiety related to money.  How understanding our emotions can help us make better financial decisions.  Thank you for tuning in to season 2, episode 11 of Think Like a Saver! We hope you've gained some valuable insights into overcoming financial overwhelm and taking control of your financial future. Remember, no matter where you are on your financial journey, it's never too late to start saving.     LINKS:  Connect with Andi Wrenn on LinkedIn.   Connect with an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) here..   Connect with Andrée Taylor on LinkedIn.   BetterMoneyHabits.Com.

    52 min

  6. 09/13/2022

    Ep 10: How To Start Saving

    There are many steps on your savings journey. When building your savings foundation, there’s no amount too small to save. It’s all about building your solid savings habits! In this week’s episode of Think Like a Saver, we cover: How to start saving One of the easiest and most effective ways to start saving How your goals will become more clear as you continue on your savings journey — “People often imagine that they have to be saving a certain amount each month for it to matter - and that’s simply not true!” We are here to support savers as they start their savings journey and create a lifetime of savings habits. The best way to save is to do it automatically.  To automate your savings, you can do either split deposits or automatic transfers - that way, you can automatically put money into a savings account or opportunity account, and you only have to do this one time! Remember, there’s no amount too small when it comes to starting your savings. You can always grow the amount you choose to save over time, and having an opportunity fund or savings account is a great first milestone on your savings journey.  Join us as we wrap up this season of the podcast and discuss how much to save at first, how to build your savings over time, and what to do when you reach savings milestones.  — RESOURCES MENTIONED: Military Saves Pledge  Take the America Saves Pledge Be sure to send your questions to save@americasaves.com and we’ll answer them in a future episode! THIS WEEK’S THINK LIKE A SAVER CHALLENGE: Look at your bank statements and see if you are being charged for any subscriptions that you may have forgotten about. This is an easy way to slow your spending and find areas that you can save even more!

    30 min

  7. 09/06/2022

    Ep 9: Getting A Clear View of Your Finances

    When you hear, “Get a clear view of your finances”, what do you picture? Your vision for yourself gives you a baseline for where you are so that you can make a plan for where you want to be financially.  In this week’s episode of Think Like a Saver, we cover: How to get a clear view of your current financial situation How to be a good steward of the money left over after your necessary expenses  Empowering you to set goals for wherever you are in life — “You’re taking control of your finances. This is a moment you should be proud of, because you’re informed and empowered. You can make the best decisions for yourself!” The first step in getting a clear view of your finances is to determine your monthly income. You can do this by looking at your pay stubs and bank account statements. When you understand your income, you’ll then be able to look at what is leaving your bank account.  It is important to take a look at what you are earning as well as what you are spending and on what. This will help you see what you are spending money on, and will show you where your opportunities to save are.  Join us in this episode as we talk about what questions to ask yourself when goal planning, and centering around those goals. We cover how to identify the adjustments you can make for yourself, and get real about course-correcting for a better chance of success.  And remember, success is a journey, just like saving!  — RESOURCES MENTIONED: Spending & Savings Plan Tool  Be sure to send your questions to save@americasaves.com and we’ll answer them in a future episode! THIS WEEK’S THINK LIKE A SAVER CHALLENGE: Check out our Spending & Savings Plan Tool ! Your goal is to get a clear view of your finances, and truly get a picture of where you are. Then, think about what this information means to you, and what you’ll save for next!

    31 min

  8. 08/30/2022

    Ep 8: How Emotions Influence Your Money Habits

    Emotions influence your savings habits.  In this episode, we cover: How your experiences influence how you feel about personal finance How to identify your emotions about money, and how to move through those emotions in a healthy way How to break unhealthy cycles around money so that you can save — “Finances are a deeply emotional experience…. By sitting with these emotions, you’ll be able to see where some of your money blocks are and how you get into certain cycles.” In this episode, we focus on how different life experiences affect the way that we feel about money, and how those feelings influence our saving habits.  Many life experiences contribute to how we feel about money, and as a result how we talk about money. For example, our experiences with our families or employers may dictate how we think we can talk about money.  However, not talking about money can be as hard as talking openly about it. Join us as we discuss the many facets of emotions that people have when it comes to money and how we can cope with these emotions. When we cope with our emotions, we can consciously move forward in your savings journey. — RESOURCES MENTIONED: The secret shame of middle class Americans 7 Steps to jump start your savings journey America Saves pledge Military Saves pledge Financial coaching and counseling Saving for an opportunity fund Be sure to send your questions to save@americasaves.com and we’ll answer them in a future episode! THIS WEEK’S THINK LIKE A SAVER CHALLENGE: Take some time to identify what your emotions are around money. Whatever the emotions, make space for them and acknowledge what they’re telling you. Take time to learn from them, and decide which ones to let go as you move forward in your savings journey.

    53 min
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About

Tune into to any finance expert and it seems that they think that saving is very black and white - this or that. "Have 3-6 months of savings in your savings account or you're bad with money!" America Saves knows that saving is a habit, not a destination. So we're sharing tips, strategies, and tools to help you "Think Like A Saver." Join Co-Hosts Kia McCallister-Young and Amanda Woods as they take you on the journey of becoming a more informed, empowered saver who can make the best financial decisions for you and your loved ones, based on your unique situation. They'll be joined by experts on topics like creative ways to save successfully, building emergency funds, budgeting, reducing debt, homeownership, improving credit, saving for retirement, and so much more. America Saves is committed to a no-shame approach to saving. Ready to save successfully, reduce your debt, and get on a path towards building debt? You can do that here with the Think Like A Saver Podcast!

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